VICELAND to launch in NZ

Sky, Auckland, 22 June 2016: VICELAND, the critically acclaimed lifestyle and culture TV channel produced by the global youth media company VICE, will launch exclusively on SKY later this year.

The 24-hour channel will be programmed, developed and produced entirely in-house by VICE’s creative team, and the channel will be available for all SKY customers as part of the basic package. Content will also be available on SKY Go and on SKY On Demand for those who’ve connected their SKY box to the internet.

Oscar-winning film director, Spike Jonze serves as Co-President of VICELAND and is overseeing the development of the new channel. Programming will focus on a distinct, immersive style of original lifestyle and culture content for young viewers and will feature a slate of brand new VICE-produced programming.

SKY’s Director of Content Strategy and Delivery, Megan King said: “The appeal of VICELAND is undeniable. That’s why we felt it was crucial to offer the service on as many screens as possible from launch. From the linear broadcast, to the channel streaming on SKY Go; as well as the opportunity to catch up on key shows on SKY On Demand, and mobile.”

SKY’s Director of Entertainment Content, Travis Dunbar said: “VICELAND offers a cutting-edge content mix, that is filtered through one of the most unique, provocative and distinct editorial filters in media today.

While the VICE brand, and VICELAND itself, undoubtedly appeals to a core yet diverse audience of millennials, I’d also expect inquisitive and open-minded SKY viewers to sample the service. Especially considering VICE often takes us to places, worlds, and subjects that seldom see the gaze of more ‘traditional’ media.”

Dunbar continues: “Giving all SKY customers the opportunity to experience VICELAND clearly signals we are looking at offerings that appeal and are valued by a wide variety of viewers as we progress further on our digital journey.”

Managing Director VICE Australia & New Zealand, Michael Slonim said: “This is a huge move for us in the New Zealand market. In SKY, we have a formidable partner to pave a new way for smart and curious kiwis to experience the full breadth of VICE’s unique storytelling.”

VICELAND will be exclusive to SKY and available in every SKY home as part of its basic package. VICELAND provides an unparalleled opportunity for advertisers to reach younger TV viewers through innovative advertising including branded pods and interstitials.

Since launching in 2005, VICE New Zealand has been producing acclaimed editorial and video programming for young New Zealand audiences across a network of digital channels spanning news, culture, music, fashion, tech and sports. Emblematic video content has included an exclusive profile piece with infamous internet mogul Kim Dotcom at his mansion home, and an investigative feature on the synthetic drug industry in New Zealand.

VICE has developed an outstanding global reputation for producing iconic video content for young people, forging innovative distribution partnerships with A+E Networks, HBO, YouTube, Snapchat, Live Nation, 20th Century Fox, Verizon, Spotify and more to take its programming to young people everywhere.

SKY’s advertising sales division will handle ad sales for the new channel, while working closely with VICE, utilising the youth media brand’s extensive relationships with advertisers.